Dave Chittock achieves sub-4 hour marathon

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Almost Athletes have been getting in the festive spirit this week with trips to Christmas races accross the region. A large group travelled to Evesham Festive 10k, where they were rewarded with some impressive results despite challenging conditions. The mud was no match for Shaun Carr, who finished in 10th position with a remarkable 10k PB of 42:10. Dave McGrath followed in 43:12 to take 13th place. For the ladies, Ingrid Harris ran 50:44 to win the V55 age category. Mark Stojanov looks to be ending 2018 on a high as he finished with yet another PB of 76:13. Also in action were Robert Brush (47:49), Peter Mitchener (48:35), Sam Wizard (54:50), Neil Tring and Lorraine Taylor (both 55:23), Carol Doherty (56:54), Mike Line (62:28), Natalie Pluck (63:00), Glenda Gill (63:06), Bob Spawton (65:15), Wan Hartley (66:28), Ian Gill (69:30) and Olly Nolan (76:42).

At Westonbirt House Christmas 10k, Rob Hume was first home for the club in 49:10. Alison Hume was next in 54:59, then Nicole Hope (55:13). Adrian and Julie Courtenay both finished in 64:44, with Julie gaining a PB for her efforts. Also running were Julie Averiss (70:41) and Zakia Hussain (79:11)Lucinda and Josh Hand donned their Santa outfits at the Draycote Water Santa Dash, Warwickshire. Lucinda completed the 8km course in an impressive 34.52 and took 2nd lady, while Josh followed pushing their daughter in a buggy in 38:21.

Paul Haig took on the Sikhs in the City Dawn til Dusk Ultra, Ilford. Allan Green got another marathon under his belt at Dinton Pastures, Reading. Green got lost but still finished the multi-terrain course in 5:08.

There were celebrations at Cheltenham, as Deb Cartlidge reached her 100th parkrun. Dressed in a tutu and the obligatory centurion outfit, she completed her milestone run in 27:55. The event also saw Robert Foord running his 200th parkrun in 24:24. First Almost home was Matt Polson, who was 7th overall in 19:18. Josh Hand was close behind in 10th position (19.28). Jeanette Gullick was 3rd lady in 22.19, and Sharmila Door gained a new PB (28:04). There were some great local results for the club’s ladies, with Lesley Cottle 2nd lady at Gloucester North (24:32), and Hester Coggin 5th lady at Tewkesbury (24:25). Gloucester City saw Rachel Fargher finish 7th lady (26:59) while Glenda Gill was 10th lady and first in her age category (27:50). The event also provided course PBs for Malc Smith (24:17), Ian Gill (29:37) and Rob Rennell (38:07 running with guide Robert Dalton-Morris).There was parkrun tourism for Mike Bryce at Fire Service College, Steven Adams at Marlborough Common, Peter Mitchener at Heslington, and Simon Attridge at Richmond. Rich Smith ran Rickmansworth with a buggy in 28:42. In Johannesburg, Matt Proome was in action at Golden Harvest and finished in 23 minutes.

The Weston Super Mare Christmas Cracker 10k was the destination for a small band of Almost Athletes this week. In a blustery wind Dave Rogers was first home for the club in 42:46 followed by Ross Greening in 45:33 and Rachel O’Bryan in 48:56. Also running were Alan Mercer 53:56, Lepha McCartan 58:32, Natalie Greening 61:10, Catrin Davies 61:54, Jayne Murphy 65:21, Graham Philpott 65:21 and Rob Rennell 69:47.

The festive fun continued at the Sudeley Castle Santa Dash where Josh & Lucinda Hand were 2nd placed male & female respectively but importantly were first placed male & female Santas. Also competing were Dave Nelson in 1:03, Wan Hartley in 1:04, Kerry Knowles 1:15 and Iris Mayo in 1:21.

Allan Green notched up yet another marathon at the Run for Elf Marathon at Egham in Surrey in 5:04 with 8 laps on a Thames tow path.

The club fielded a men’s and ladies’ team at the Gloucestershire Cross Country League meeting at Wootton under Edge. The men were represented by Haiggy McHaig, Dave Garnett, Martin Foster, Dave McGrath, Neil Tring, Matt Hampton & Ali Shaikh and were placed a credible 9th out of 16 teams. For the ladies Patricia Peever & Lorraine Taylor represented the club but sadly with only two members were not able to register a placing.

On a relatively free race weekend, more than 30 club members ran a 10-mile run around Leckhampton Hill and Shurdington to help club members Fiona & Matt Barnes celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary.